Before it was used as an airbase in World War II, Hornchurch aerodrome was first used during World War I. Originally called Suttons Farm, it was the ninth aerodrome that was located around the perimeter of London. The location was so important that it was the base for the No. 39 Home Defence Unit and plans were made to accommodate several squadrons. Suttons Farms saw its share of activity throughout World War I yet when the war was over in 1919, the Air Ministry decided they no longer needed to use the area and restored the farm to original condition. In 1922 the Royal Air Force wanted to increase its force and Sutton’s Farm was an ideal location. A task force went back to the old airfield and it was found to be in a usable condition. The owner of the farm refused to turn over his land once again to the Air Ministry yet in 1926 they eventually acquired enough land to build an aerodrome after considerable negotiations.
The new aerodrome was officially opened on April 1, 1928 and the name changed in January, 1929 to Hornchurch. Several squadrons occupied the aerodrome between its opening and the outbreak ofWorld War II, including the 111 and 65 Squadrons. In August 1939 all the buildings were ordered to be camouflaged and manned 24 hours a day as a war with Germany was approaching. These were the first stages of Hornchurch being a front line station during the Battle. Even though eight squadrons used Hornchurch in early 1940, none of them stayed permanently. Despite that, Hornchurch was gaining a reputation, with 128 victories by June and several distinguished guests visiting.
Before the Battle of Britain, Hornchurch was a high ranking Sector Station. The aerodrome was attacked twenty times during the Battle of Britain. The worst attack was on August 31 with two attacks in one day; one in the morning and one near 5:30 p.m. Although the damage was widespread, it was not severe and only one person died during the attacks. Eventually, things became too dangerous at Hornchurch and the main Operations Room was moved to Lambourne Hall, Romford on October 15, 1940. By June 1944, Hornchurch had lost its identity as a fighter station and became a transit station for British and American personnel to the battle fronts in France.
RAF Hornchurch was home to the Hornchurch Sector Operations Room and Staff, and the following Squadrons during the Battle:
• No 65 Squadron from 5 June 1940
• No 74 Squadron from 25 June 1940
• No 54 Squadron from 24 July 1940
• No 41 Squadron from 26 July 1940
• No 54 Squadron from 8 August 1940
• No 266 Squadron from 14 August 1940
• No 600 Squadron from 22 August 1940
• No 264 Squadron from 22 August 1940
• No 603 Squadron from 27 August 1940
• No 41 Squadron from 3 September 1940
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October 10, 2010 at 11:20 am
Ron Clark
Re RAF Hornchurch. During 1937 – 39 the new Elm Park housing estate was built right up to the boundary of the airfield, and in the B of B the station tannoy system broadcast uplifting reports most evenings as to the days events, which were audible in much of the estate. I specifically recall one broadcast saying “the boys are in fine fettle……” and I had to ask my parents what this meant. I was only 10 years of age!
Interesting to note that the first squadron to be hosted after the 1928 reopening was no. 111 commanded by Squadron Leader Park. He could have had no idea that just 12 years later, as AVM Keith Park he would command the whole of No. 11 Group, and bear the brunt of the fighting during the battle.
October 11, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Tony Rudd
Thank you. You must have had a fascinating ring side seat during the Battle. All very interesting about Park and his early career. Tony Rudd
October 29, 2010 at 10:04 pm
C Sawbridge
Can you tell me why 222 ‘Natal’ Squadron is not mentioned as being based at RAF Hornchurch during the Battle please.
January 13, 2012 at 12:00 am
Chris Smith
I remember as a young boy whenever we would visit the grandparents we were told not to wander too far from the backyard. my Dads parents lived in Conway Close right next to the airfield. Mum and Dad would tell us stories of the way it was during the war. Facinating stories now but probably very scary at the time.
February 28, 2012 at 9:49 pm
Patricia Atling
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Does anyone have any idea of the name of the family who actually owned Suttons Farm prior to WW1?
My great great grandparents (Dorrington) lived / worked atSuttons Farm prior to WW1. The family were resident at Hornchurch for a great number of years during the 18th & early 19th centuries – some are buried in the local church.
After the Air Ministry acquired it,the Dorringtons moved away from the Hornchurch area – some to Suffolk & Lincolnshire where they acquired land and continued to farm.
My direct ancestors moved into London – eventually putting down new roots in Putney S.W London setting up a successful business as fuel merchants.
Patricia Atling